According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Dac Phu, former Director of the General Department of Preventive Medicine at the Ministry of Health and currently a senior advisor to the Public Health Emergency Response Center, COVID-19 has become an endemic disease, much like seasonal influenza, and may follow cyclical patterns. The current variant in circulation is Omicron, which is highly transmissible but generally causes mild symptoms and rarely leads to hospitalization or death.

Dr. Phu stressed that while there’s no need for panic, complacency is also not advisable, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems. The key, he said, is to assess risks accurately and respond accordingly. What matters is how we prevent the disease without disrupting activities relating to socio- economic development.

As for precautions, people with suspected symptoms should wear masks to prevent spreading the virus, particularly around high-risk individuals. Frequent hand washing with soap is also encouraged, as it helps prevent other infectious diseases that tend to spread more in the summer. Those experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical care promptly, since several other viruses currently in circulation can produce symptoms similar to COVID-19.

Dr. Phu also underscored the importance of continued surveillance by the Ministry of Health to monitor virus mutations and assess the number of severe cases. Close coordination with international partners is also essential to stay updated on global developments. At the same time, stockpiles of medicines and hospital beds should be maintained to ensure readiness in case of unexpected developments.

He cautioned against reinstating extreme measures from the height of the pandemic, such as large-scale lockdowns or mass testing, unless truly necessary. In the current context, COVID-19 should be treated and managed in a manner similar to seasonal flu.

Health Ministry warns about COVID-19 resurgence amid global rise

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Vietnam has demanded close monitoring and the enhancement of the detection and treatment of COVID-19 cases locally as the disease remains complex around the world.